40kg of cocaine were discovered in a refrigerated contained that was coming from Ecuador and destined for Cyprus, the Customs Department said on Wednesday.

The contained was selected for scanning following risk analysis carried out by the Department's Container Monitoring Unit.

Following a scan using the new Nuctech scanner, several packets containing a white substance were located, and consequently discovered hidden, behind a panel above the refrigerant compressor. A total of 35 individual packets weighing a total of 44kg were elevated. The substance was tested and preliminary results point to a positive indication for cocaine. The approximate street value is calculated to be 4.5 million euros.

The case was handed over to the Police Anti-Drug Squad for further investigations, while duty Magistrate Joe Mifsud is leading a magisterial inquiry, the department said.